North Melbourne young gun Jason Horne-Francis will make his return to football through the VFL this weekend after being out of action for almost a month.
The talented teenager was handed a two-game suspension for striking GWS star Josh Kelly in Round 13, a match that fell a week prior to the Roos' mid-season bye.
The break, coupled with the ban, hasn't seen Horne-Francis play since the loss to the Giants, with his return set for this weekend after the extended layoff.
Horne-Francis has enjoyed a strong opening season on-field for the Shinboners, however his Round 13 performance was a low point in a bright rookie campaign.
The South Adelaide product recorded just eight disposals, two tackles and no clearances in the 49-point loss, numbers that were substantially down from his averages to date.
With the bullish onballer out of action since June 12, David Noble informed Horne-Francis of the match committee's decision to bring him back through their reserves on Wednesday, The Age reports.
It is understood that Horne-Francis took the decision well, and will look to rekindle his best form against Collingwood's VFL side on Saturday at the AIA Centre.
Much like their senior side, North Melbourne's reserves have struggled this season, currently placed 19th in the 21-team VFL competition after 12 matches.
Saturday's trip to Olympic Park will be the Kangaroos' next chance to secure their fourth win of the year.
Meanwhile, Noble's side are still chasing their second victory of the season amid a tumultuous 2022 campaign.
They'll face a Collingwood side looking to claim their seventh straight win, and will do so without Aaron Hall (hamstring) and Kayne Turner (concussion).
The Roos could welcome back skipper Jack Ziebell back from injury, while Tarryn Thomas may return after a week's absence due to personal reasons.
Collingwood will host North Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday, with the match to commence at 1:45pm (AEST).
